Antique Art Deco Graduated Amber Marbled Bead Necklace, 1930

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A striking antique graduated bead necklace dating to circa 1930, composed of richly coloured amber-tone beads displaying attractive internal marbling … Read more A striking antique graduated bead necklace dating to circa 1930, composed of richly coloured amber-tone beads displaying attractive internal marbling and tonal variation. Possibly produced in Bakelite or another early phenolic material, the necklace has the bold proportions and warm colouring characteristic of Art Deco jewellery. ㅤ The necklace is formed as a single strand of individually graduated beads, increasing progressively in scale toward the centre. The largest central beads create an impressive focal point while the smaller examples toward the clasp provide an elegant transition around the neckline. ㅤ Each bead displays variations of warm honey, amber and deeper brown tones, with distinctive marbling visible through the material. These naturalistic colour variations give each bead an individual character and create considerable visual depth across the complete strand. ㅤ The necklace is constructed with knotted spacers between most of the beads, an important practical feature that provides separation and helps protect the individual elements from rubbing against one another. ㅤ A threaded screw clasp completes the necklace and remains in good working order, closing securely for wear. ㅤ The material is possibly Bakelite; however, without specialist testing, it would be preferable to describe the necklace conservatively as an amber-colour early plastic or phenolic material rather than definitively attributing it to Bakelite. ㅤ with an impressive overall length of 70.5 cm and a weight of 51.8 grams, the necklace has considerable presence and can be worn as a long single strand while retaining the characteristic graduated silhouette. ㅤ The piece remains in very good vintage condition, with no notable damage, chips or restoration, and is clean and ready to wear. ㅤ A stylish example of 1930s jewellery combining bold graduated proportions, rich amber colouring and distinctive marbled surfaces.

Date: Circa 1930s Period: Art Deco / Early 20th Century Style: Art Deco Material: Amber-colour phenolic resin / early plastic, possibly Bakelite Weight: 51.8 grams Measurements: Height: 70.5 cm overall necklace length Width: 2.4 cm maximum bead width Depth: 1.9 cm maximum bead depth Largest Bead: 2.4 × 1.9 cm Smallest Bead: 1 × 0.8 cm See less